My very first ad... :)

Yce Pre-Bday Photoshoot

Rayhanna Yce Genobis Canieso
1st Birthday Photoshoot
Genobis Residence - Valladolid, Negros Occidental
January 28, 2012

More pictures at: 

https://picasaweb.google.com/105621318470775938514/YceCaniesoPreBirthday

The Way We Were...

The Uytiepo Family at Mambukal 

A cousin of mine posted some old pictures from the 70s. (Thanks Manang Dolly) While browsing through them I felt tears welling up in my eyes. We used to be one big happy family. Our parents used to hold lunch parties every Sunday at my grandma’s house to catch up on some things. During Summer, I remember my parents, aunts and uncles, grandparents and my cousins go up to a mountain resort for the Holy Week. We came in a big truck with our clothes, food, tents and garden sets. We occupied one cottage where we would crowd into one small room to sleep.  My Dad had 9 more siblings all of them married with Kids. You can just imagine how crowded we were. J

Eventually, everyone went to the states bringing their families with them, until only two were left. Those who never left still held parties but not that often, only on special occasions. Christmas was no longer the same, even just going to the beach didn’t seem as enjoyable as when everyone was still around.

The kids grew up. They had jobs and families of their own, some moved to a different zip code and never really had the time to see or catch up with each other. It’s funny how things change and how rapid the change comes. Lately, with the advent of social networking sites, communication lines started to open up and we get to talk to our family members we haven’t communicated to for a long time.

Savor every moment you spend with your family. They’re the only one you’ve got.

Singlehood … to be or not to be?

Photo courtesy of: michaellondonnewyork.spreadshirt.com

This article goes out to all the single people who chose to be single. People are always interested to know about our love life. Do we have someone special?  Are we in a relationship? Married? But the first question would always be… “Are you single?” this is very popular especially with chatters. Being a chatter myself, I’ve had several encounters of people asking me if I was single during the first 2 mins of our conversation.  Once you say “Single” then comes the most popular response…”Why?” Do we really need to know why a person is single?

Some people would probably assume that the person they’re talking to is ugly. That’s why they ask, have you had a boyfriend before? Some would think that you’re too choosy that’s why until now you still don’t have someone special. People ask me why at my age I should have settled down, but I haven’t. 

Singlehood for some people is not about being physically attractive or being too choosy, it’s about choice. Their choice to be single. My response would always be, I enjoy being single.  No one to constantly ask me where I am, who I am with and think about what time I’ll be going home. These are questions that at times irritates me especially when I’m having fun.

I’m not saying I want to be single all my life, I’m just enjoying the attention I’m giving myself at the moment.

I don’t need to rush into a relationship. It’s been a long time since I’ve had time for myself. So, live your life to the fullest!

Bacolaodiat

It was my first time to actually experience Bacolaodiat in the streets of Bacolod. Knowing how crowded the streets can be. I was in the area for a company related event. I then decided to scope out what sights are there to see. BACOLAODIAT  is composed of two words "Bacolod" and "Lao Diat" which means Celebration. The Bacolaodiat Celebration started way back 2004. This year the Bacolaodiat is on its 7th year. It is also known as the festival that celebrates the Chinese New Year with illuminated lanterns, lighted floats and a grand parade. In 2012, we celebrate the year of the Water Dragon.

Not only that while walking the busy and crowded streets of Bacolod, I also decided to check out the latest addition to the Capitol Lagoon, a newly installed fountain and illuminated Capitol Building completed my visit to Lacson Street.

Wait for more updates, and pictures in my future blogs. This might be the start of something big.. :) Guess we'll have to wait and find out won't we? 


Info for Bacolaodiat from: http://www.bacolaodiat.com/bacolaodiat-festival.php

Eric + Beth Grinstead ~ January 22, 2012

Ronald Eric Grinstead + Maribeth Juance

January 22, 2012

UNO-R Chapel

Bacolod City

The Bride

The Groom

Entourage

For more pics please click on the link below:

https://picasaweb.google.com/105621318470775938514/EricBethGrinstead

Have you stopped to smell the roses lately?

We often tend to forget to appreciate the little things around us. As a saying goes sometimes "we need to stop and smell the roses." People has been to busy to stop and think or reflect on the beauty of the things around us. Our minds have been preoccupied by work, finances etc. Have you recently stopped to think about the air you're breathing, how beautiful the flowers are, or how much has changed around you.

I myself is guilty of this. Let me tell you how a day in my life goes, I go out for work at 5 in the morning. Take a bath, change clothes, brush my teeth, grab the key, and ride the car. On my way to work, I speed up because I fear I'm going to be late, instead of slowing down and appreciate a little bit of nature. Upon getting off at work, I clock in read my emails, then start my day at work. Lunch comes, I eat a little because I still have tons to do, then back to work. Once the day is over, I get into my car, drive home, too tired to think of the things around me, I just want to go home and rest. At home, i go directly to our room, and lie down. It was a productive day at work, but I was never able to appreciate life or what I have in front of me. 

Points to ponder on:

1. Have we stopped to say how much you love someone without expecting them to say something in return? 

2. Have you given yourself a chance to sit back and relax without thinking of work or money? 

Photo courtesy of: http://www.floraworld.com/white-rock-flowers

On Weekend Mode

Hello Dear Readers, 


allow me to sign off just for today. I need just need to refresh my batteries and my writing prowess. I'll see you again soon. :) 


Wait for my next blog!


Thanks!


Inah 

Which childhood do you prefer?

Before:
Not sure if everyone can relate but there is a big difference between children before and children now. During power interruptions,(just like what we happen to be experiencing now :)) , I remember playing hide and seek with my cousins until the power comes back. We also play Horror Room in one of the corridors of my grandma’s house. 

During summer, we played outside most of the time. Role Playing the latest Japanese super hero we see on TV. Heroes like Bioman and Masked Rider Black. Playing “house”or “school”.  Games like, Crocodile crocodile, Cops and Robbers, “Langit-lupa-empyerno” (heaven-earth-hell), jumping rope and Carnival where we use leaves as money and the swing as our ferris wheel . Back then, roller coasters were not as popular as it is now.   

Now:
With the advent of technology introducing gaming consoles  such as PSP, Nintendo DS, Xbox, PS 1 to 3, other technologies like iPad, iPods, cellphones, laptop and android tablets, children tend to stay inside the house to play games or watch TV. I seldom see kids who would just go out and play. No wonder research shows that there are a lot of obese children as they don’t burn the fats they take in. Interactions between children seldom happen. They would prefer to text each other even if they’re just in the same room. The lifestyle has become too stagnant and passive.

Points to Ponder on:

1. Are you willing to deprive your children of the fun the way you experienced it?
2. How long has it been since you played those games?
3. Catching up with your cousins, brothers/sisters, have you ever talked about how much fun when you were young?

The truth about who I am

People often ask me what happened when they see how I walk. I’d say, well I was born with Mild Cerebral Palsy that affected the right side of my body particularly my lower extremities.  Some would understand and some would choose to be mum about it. Some would ask further questions, and to tell you honestly, I really don’t mind. This is what was given by the Lord and I have accepted my fate. 

My mom, dad, and grandma brought me up like a normal kid, a normal teenager that I don’t see myself as someone different. I'm thankful that I had such supportive people surrounding me. I join field demonstrations along with my classmates, cheering dances, play sports, drive a car, climb mountains, just like any other person would do. I have learned to cope with the people outside my comfort zone.

I underwent 2 surgeries. At age 8, I underwent surgery at the Lung center in Manila. However, the surgery did not prove to be successful. At age 12, My grandma who was in the states that time was working for Sophia and George Adamson who happens to be Masons. That paved the way for me to get a free pass to go to Shriner's Hospital for Crippled Children in Hawaii. The surgery was successful. However, it did not end there. They were able to fix my leg but found out later that the ball attached to my femur was small compared to my hip socket which caused me to limp. With constant therapy, I was able to walk on my own without braces.

I still limp and kind of drag my right leg when I walk, but this disability did not bring me down. My friends, family and everyone who surrounded me gave me the love, strength, support and confidence to face the outside world.  I got a job with my current company being a Training Coordinator, which meant that I did not need to see anyone except for my boss and a few other trainers.  But that did not give me the satisfaction I was looking for.  I wanted to reach out and touch other people’s lives by honing them to become better at their jobs. Hence, I became a Trainer. Being a trainer meant I will need to stand in front of a class and speak. It felt uncomfortable at first (still does sometimes especially if it’s a new crowd). But as days passed, I began to feel comfortable speaking in a crowd. This is where I felt fulfillment with myself especially if I hear agents who got promoted to a higher post.

Accepting who I am gave me the opportunity to share my optimism with others. Despite what I have went through there is always a bright side to everything. Having this disability though a curse is also a blessing. I tend to lose balance most of the time but what's truly important is that I still have the strength to stand up after every fall.

Points to Ponder on:

1. Are we proud of who we are and what we have become?

2. Do we always tend to whine about small stuff?

3. Have we even considered what life was for other people who have disabilities or are handicapped?

Think about it .... if you're normal.. you're lucky! 

On Love and Courtship

Love… ah love.. one word that can make the whole world go crazy, angry, frustrated, disappointed, happy, curious, contented, and hurt. You can name all the emotions in the world and a person who is inlove will feel any of the emotions stated above. It’s one heck of a roller coaster ride. Do you agree?

Some people I know will tell you they like long courtship to ensure that the person courting them is sincere in their intentions. Some however would say that courtship is no longer needed. You are just making it hard for both of you. Why? Simply because if you found out that you don’t like the person, you’d then have to find a way to break the bad news to them. If you like the person why make them suffer and you anticipate the day you’d officially become a couple.

My dear readers, there is no such thing as a Perfect Boyfriend or a Perfect Girlfriend, neither is a perfect relationship.   In every relationship, we will encounter challenges, it may be heavy or light but at some point there will come a time when you guys have a fight. It’s just one of the spices of life.  Depending on the gravity and depth of the root cause, it may work out or it may not.

When you come to think about it, at the end of the day, whether courtship was involved or not, what really matters is how much you care and love each other.  

Points to Ponder:

1. Who would you rather choose? The person who loves you or the person you love?

2. When is the right time to fall in love?

3. How do we know that person is the right one?

For all the mothers out there...

Dearest Mother,

3 Generations of Women in my family
L-R (Inah Uytiepo, Estrella Jalauig, Mitche Uytiepo)

     Whoever said that being a mom is an easy job… is wrong. Being a mom requires a lot of patience. They work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, no day offs, no vacation leaves and most of all no pay. But I can see that there are no regrets in being a mother. The only joy and satisfaction you get is by seeing to it that your family is happy. The pleasure of seeing your child grow up to become a respectable individual in society is enough. I know that there came a time when you had reached a point of sacrificing your welfare for your family.

      There are no perfect people in this world, nor perfect relationships, but what I shared with you was like no other. There comes a stage in every teenager’s life, that we somehow despise how our parents treat us. I’ve been there and my diaries can prove that. That rebellious stage became a turning point of my life. I’ve learned to become the person I am today. It was because of your experiences that taught me how to live my life, by learning from your mistakes and following your success. You have always been my source of strength, my stronghold, the wind beneath my wings, but you never hindered my happiness. You have made me spread my wings and made me experience what life was on my own, not knowing that you were still there praying and guiding me every step of the way.

Despite the busy schedule you had, you never failed to spend time with me. I cherished every Sunday we spent together as a family. Seldom do we find mothers who understands us, and goes out of their way to get to know their children better by knowing what their likes are and actually experiencing it with them.

     Who would have thought that you would become my bestfriend. We are like sisters, sharing every detail about love, friendship, career and dreams in life. We hardly see each other anymore and I miss those times that we would just cuddle every spare moment we have.

I’m so lucky to have you for a parent! I could never wish for anything else! I love you mom! I always will

Your Child

Ode to my Mother

Published in Sun.star Weekend Bacolod
May  14-16, 2006

The Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine Experience

Last December, I was lucky enough to be assigned at Bacoor Cavite. Being a Trainer, a colleague of mine @KrispyKrisma and myself was to conduct a class there for 2 weeks. Since Cavite has been known to be a historical place given that the first president of the Philippines, Emilio Aguinaldo was born there. We decided to visit the famous Aguinaldo Shrine at Kawit Cavite. It was a saturday when we finally decided to go. Neither of us knew how to get there but we just followed the road to Kawit. We knew we were near when we finally saw a tall structure that looked like we were being transported back in time. Standing in the middle of Kawit Cavite was a Massive 7 story structure known as the Aguinaldo Shrine. 

Our tour guide was very gracious and got immediately to explaining things we were seeing. The first sight we had was the car of Emilio Aguinaldo. The car was a 1924 Packard Limousine that has been restored by the Philippine Motor Association and Vintage Car Club of the Philippines. 

The original structure of the house has been kept and some parts opened to the public as a Museum. General Aguinaldo designed the house himself. Upon entering the house, you will se a bowling alley. The tour guide says that Bowling was the General's favorite sport. He went on to the other side of the museum explaining that the house has been designed with secret passages which led to the Kawit Church, and was used during the Revolution. General Aguinaldo was a short fellow standing at 5 ft 4 in. Original uniforms, wallets and different versions of the flags have been displayed. 

Going up the 2nd floor of the Building, showed a magnificent site of more antique furniture. The rooms of his 3 daughters to your left and to your right a big sala or receiving area for the guests. His house was not your ordinary ancestral home. He had the latest gadget of their time. An Ice Box, the first generation General Electric Refrigerator, and a heating system were some of the more modern items you can find in his home. This is because this is where he stayed until his death in 1964. I learned more about Aguinaldo by going on the tour than in the classroom.  

Outside the structure you will be able to see the terrace where the first flag of the Philippines was waived for the first time. 


This house is also believed to be haunted by a "kapre" who the tour guide explained used to warn Aguinaldo of the approaching danger ( Japanese Soldiers). Some locals say the 7th Floor or Tower is home to the Kapre. Some say he lives in the Mango Tree at the back of Aguinaldo's house. 

What better way to learn more about our history is by visiting the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine at Kawit Cavite.

White Lie

This is not a review about the movie that starred Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis. :) What is a white lie and how different is this from a regular lie? First off, let's see what Wikipedia has to say about this. 


According to Wikipedia: White lies are minor lies which could be considered to be harmless, or even beneficial, in the long term. White lies are also considered to be used for greater good. A common version of a white lie is to tell only part of the truth, therefore not be suspected of lying, yet also conceal something else, in order to avoid awkward questions.


It maybe harmless at this point but can also be considered as a deception. For example, a friend comes up to you and asks your opinion on the dress she's wearing. You find the dress a little out of fashion and yet, because you are gracious enough not to hurt her feelings, you tell her that it looks great. YOur friend goes to a party in that dress and comes out to be the laughing stock of everyone. How would you feel? Sometimes we need to watch what we're actually saying and how it would affect the person. 


However, in some cases it may be necessary to tell a white lie. A classic example would be during christmas season where gift giving is a traditon. What would you say to a colleague, a friend, a relative who gave you a gift that does not really fit your personality? Normal reaction would be, to thank them and tell them how we love the gift. Not knowingly that we have just told a white lie. 


How different is this from a Lie? 


Wikipedia says: A lie (also called prevarication, falsehood) is a type of deception in the form of an untruthful statement, especially with the intention to deceive others.


It is intentionally lying to cover up something that we have done wrong, or somthing that we want to keep to ourselves afraid that others might judge us. This is often rampant in children who has done something wrong, afraid that the parents would get mad at them. 


Whether a white lie or a regular lie, it's still the same banana. 




Points to ponder on: 


1. Are we hypocrite enough not to admit that we have told a white lie? 
2. What are your thoughts about White Lies? Is it morally good?  


Topic Courtesy of Janice Dimaculangan.

The Supernatural

Supernatural a CW series which evolves around 2 brothers, Dean (Jensen Ackles) and Sam (Jared Paladecki) Winchester, who goes all over the United States hunting the Supernatural (Demons, Werewolves, Vampires, etc.). Helping them is Bobby Singer (Jim Beaver) and Castiel (Misha Collins), an angel of God.

What makes them interesting to watch is that somehow, we are able to relate to what they're going through. How? Folklore which has been handed down from generations to generations. The constant battle between good and evil and sibling rivalry. 

How much of it is true? I don't know maybe you can ask yourself if you've had any experience that relates to the supernatural.  Take for instance the case of Shake, Rattle and Roll.

 

Tenyente Gimo's legend has been widespread across the Visayas specifically the Panay and Negros Provinces. Stories has been told from generation to generation about a girl from Negros who was a guest by his daughter at the Tenyente's house during a town fiesta. The girl was entertaining thoughts of the Tenyente being an aswang and awoke in the wee hours of the morning. Taking a peek at her window, she saw the Tenyente boiling water. She was pretty sure it was for her after they have butchered her. She escaped by jumping off a window and was able to find her way back to Negros, telling everyone about the horrific event surrounding her experience. 

Well, that's all for now folks, until the next blog!